17 U.S. Castles You Can Tour and Even Spend the Night In

I’ve always found castles fascinating. Their tall walls, detailed design, and the history held within their stones are very captivating.

Even though castles are often linked to Europe, many people don’t know that the United States has some amazing castles too. These buildings, though usually newer than those in Europe, are just as large and beautiful.

Some were built to look like old medieval forts, while others show newer styles of building. Many were made for rich businesspeople during America’s Gilded Age, used as fancy private homes.

Today, these castles are great sights to see, and some even let visitors stay overnight, so you can get a feel for royal living.

In this guide, I’ve collected 17 of the most beautiful castles you can see in the United States. Each one is special, with its own history, charm, and often stunning views. I’m excited to share them with you.

Have you been to any of these castles? Do you know any hidden gems that should be added to this list? Tell me about your experiences in the comments!

Belcourt Castle (Newport, Rhode Island)

Belcourt Castle, a grand mansion completed in 1894, is one of the many large estates in Newport, Rhode Island. Designed by the architect Richard Morris Hunt, the castle shows a mix of Renaissance and Gothic styles, with fancy interiors and detailed outside walls.

The mansion was first built for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, a rich socialite and heir to a banking fortune. Over time, Belcourt has had several owners and been updated in different ways.

Today, it welcomes visitors for guided tours, showing the mansion’s rich furnishings, old collections, and deep history. Belcourt’s lasting charm keeps attracting people who want to see Newport’s elegant past.

Searles Castle (Great Barrington, Massachusetts)

Searles Castle, constructed in 1888, is a stunning French Gothic-style mansion built for wealthy heiress Mary Sherwood Hopkins. Designed by renowned architect Stanford White, the castle resembles a French château with its steep roofs, towering spires, and intricate stonework. 

Searles Castle has a fascinating history, including stories of secret tunnels and mysterious happenings on the estate. Though it is now a private residence, the castle occasionally opens for public events, allowing visitors to admire its grand architecture and scenic surroundings. 

Its secluded location in the Berkshires adds to the castle’s mystique and charm, making it a true hidden gem.

Thornewood Castle (Lakewood, Washington)

Thornewood Castle is a large house built in the Tudor Gothic style that has a long history. It was made between 1909 and 1911 using old bricks taken from a 400-year-old English manor and brought to Washington State by Chester Thorne, a well-known businessman.

Thornewood is famous for its classic beauty, with stained glass windows, antique furniture, and lovely gardens. The castle is now a bed and breakfast where people can stay in one of the historic rooms.

There are different types of rooms, from small and comfortable to large suites, all decorated with old-style furniture. Guests can spend time in the quiet gardens and see nice views of American Lake, making the castle a peaceful place to relax.

Many people choose the castle for weddings and events because its movie-like look is perfect for important celebrations.

Boldt Castle (Heart Island, New York)

Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands region of New York, is a tragic symbol of love lost. George C. Boldt, a wealthy hotel magnate, began building this Rhineland-style castle in 1900 as a gift for his wife, Louise. 

Sadly, construction stopped abruptly in 1904 when Louise died unexpectedly. Boldt was heartbroken, and the castle sat unfinished for over 70 years. In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority took over the restoration, and today, visitors can tour the castle, accessible only by boat. 

Its lush gardens and stunning stonework make it a romantic and picturesque destination. Boldt Castle is now a beloved landmark and a tribute to undying love.

Hammond Castle (Gloucester, Massachusetts)

Hammond Castle sits on the rocky coast of Massachusetts and mixes old-fashioned style with new ideas. John Hays Hammond Jr., an inventor, built it in 1929 as his house and workplace. The building looks like old European castles, with towers, arches, and a drawbridge.

Inside, there are objects from the medieval period and Hammond’s own art and special items. Hammond made important changes in radio control, and his work is shown all through the castle. Today, Hammond Castle is a museum where people can learn about its history and science.

Castle in the Clouds (Moultonborough, New Hampshire)

Castle in the Clouds stands high above Lake Winnipesaukee in the White Mountains, giving amazing views and showing what rich life was like in the early 1900s. This mansion, built in 1914 for Thomas Gustave Plant, a successful shoe maker, follows the Arts and Crafts style.

The property covers more than 5,000 acres and has pretty paths, waterfalls, and wide views. People can walk through the mansion, which still has many of its old items, and hear the story of Plant, including how he lost all his money.

The mansion’s spot on the mountain and its lovely style make it a quiet and relaxing place for people who want peace in both nature and the past.

Biltmore Estate (Asheville, North Carolina)

Biltmore Estate, built in 1895, is the largest privately-owned home in the United States. George Washington Vanderbilt II had this massive estate constructed as a retreat for his family. The Châteauesque-style mansion spans over 175,000 square feet and is surrounded by 8,000 acres of gardens, forests, and farmland. 

Today, visitors can tour the lavishly decorated rooms, stroll through the stunning gardens, and enjoy the on-site winery. For those looking to extend their stay, the estate offers luxurious accommodations at The Inn on Biltmore Estate and the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate. 

Guests can expect world-class service, fine dining, and a variety of recreational activities, including horseback riding, hiking, and spa treatments. Owned by Vanderbilt’s descendants, Biltmore continues to be a symbol of American opulence and innovation.

Hearst Castle (San Simeon, California)

Perched high on a hilltop along California’s central coast, Hearst Castle is a striking Mediterranean Revival masterpiece. Construction of the estate began in 1919, under the direction of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst and renowned architect Julia Morgan. 

The estate boasts 165 rooms, intricate mosaics, and spectacular gardens spread over 123 acres. Known for its Neptune and Roman Pools, Hearst Castle was once the playground of Hollywood’s elite and European royalty. 

Today, it serves as a museum managed by California State Parks, offering visitors a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of one of America’s wealthiest families. While you can’t stay overnight at the castle itself, its grandeur makes it a must-see destination.

The Kentucky Castle (Versailles, Kentucky)

The Kentucky Castle, just outside Lexington, is a modern castle with its own interesting past. It was first built in 1969 as a private home, designed to look like European castles with tall turrets and thick stone walls.

Over time, the castle had new owners and many renovations, turning it into a fancy hotel and event place. Today, guests can stay in one of the castle’s elegant suites, each made unique and offering modern comforts with a royal style.

Visitors can also enjoy the farm-to-table restaurant, relax at the spa on site, or join activities like cooking lessons and bourbon tasting. The Kentucky Castle’s mix of old-world charm and southern warmth makes it a favorite spot for weddings, retreats, and special occasions.

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Loveland Castle (Loveland, Ohio)

Loveland Castle, or Château Laroche, is a labor of love that took over 50 years to build. Harry D. Andrews, a Boy Scout troop leader and World War I veteran, began constructing the castle in 1929 using stones from the Little Miami River. 

He single-handedly built the medieval-style structure as a tribute to his love for history and chivalry. Andrews even lived in the castle while he was building it. 

Today, the castle serves as a museum dedicated to knights and medieval history, with artifacts and displays reflecting Andrews’ passion. While it’s primarily a day-tour destination, the castle can be rented for overnight stays for small groups, offering a unique experience in its simple yet charming setting. 

Guests can expect a more rustic experience, perfect for those seeking a night immersed in medieval-inspired history.

Fonthill Castle (Doylestown, Pennsylvania)

Fonthill Castle, built between 1908 and 1912, is a unique structure designed by Henry Chapman Mercer, an archaeologist and tile maker. The castle reflects an eclectic mix of medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles. 

What sets it apart is its construction, Mercer built the castle entirely out of concrete. Fonthill served as Mercer’s home and a place to display his vast collection of artifacts and handmade ceramic tiles, many of which he designed himself. 

Visitors can tour the castle’s labyrinth of rooms and corridors, which are filled with intricate tile work, antiques, and art. Fonthill Castle stands as a testament to Mercer’s artistic vision and passion for preserving history.

Lyndhurst Mansion (Tarrytown, New York)

Lyndhurst Mansion is a Gothic Revival home built in 1838 next to the Hudson River. It was first made for William Paulding Jr., a former mayor of New York City, and later made bigger by railroad leader Jay Gould.

With its pointed arches, towers, and large windows, Lyndhurst shows the Romantic style in American building design. Visitors can join tours to see the mansion’s fancy rooms and walk around the large grounds, which have gardens and wide views of the river.

Run by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Lyndhurst is still one of the best examples of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture in the United States.

Gillette Castle (East Haddam, Connecticut)

Gillette Castle, completed in 1919, was the personal home of actor William Gillette, best known for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage. The castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Connecticut River, was designed by Gillette himself, reflecting his eccentric personality and love for theatrics. 

The stone structure has an almost fairy-tale appearance, with its irregular shape and whimsical details, including hidden doors, puzzle-like locks, and a complex system of mirrors that allowed Gillette to spy on his guests. 

Now part of a state park, Gillette Castle is open for tours, giving visitors a glimpse into the mind of a creative genius who left his mark on both the theater and architecture.

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Bannerman Castle (Pollepel Island, New York)

Bannerman Castle is a dramatic old structure sitting on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, a bit north of New York City. It was built in 1901 by Francis Bannerman VI, who used it to keep extra military supplies that his business sold.

In 1920, a mysterious blast damaged part of the castle, and over time the building fell apart, leaving behind the striking remains seen now. People can join guided boat trips to the island to hear about the castle’s past and see its walls covered in ivy.

Because Bannerman Castle is alone on its island and has a long and interesting story, it attracts many who enjoy history and adventure.

Oheka Castle (Huntington, New York)

Oheka Castle, built in 1919, is a grand estate located on Long Island’s Gold Coast. Financier Otto Hermann Kahn had the French Châteauesque-style castle built as a fancy summer home. At that time, it was the second-largest private house in the United States.

The castle has 127 rooms and is surrounded by carefully kept gardens designed in the French style. Today, Oheka Castle works as a luxury hotel and event place. It is a popular choice for weddings, parties, and elegant vacations.

Visitors can stay overnight in one of the 32 beautiful rooms that combine historic style with modern comforts, including soft beds, fancy bathrooms, and lovely views of the grounds.

The castle also offers a restaurant with fine dining, along with a bar and terrace where guests can relax after a day of sightseeing.

Singer Castle (Dark Island, New York)

Singer Castle, completed in 1905, was built as a hunting lodge for Frederick Bourne, the president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Located on Dark Island in the St. Lawrence River, the castle was designed with a medieval flair, featuring towers, battlements, and even a secret dungeon. 

Hidden passageways run throughout the castle, adding to its air of mystery and intrigue. Today, Singer Castle is open for guided tours, and visitors can explore its richly decorated rooms and stunning views of the river. 

For a truly unforgettable experience, guests can stay overnight in the castle’s exclusive royal suite, which includes elegant period furnishings, luxurious bedding, and private access to the castle after hours. 

Guests also enjoy breakfast with views of the river, making it a rare and intimate opportunity to fully experience this historic castle.

Castello di Amorosa (Calistoga, California)

Castello di Amorosa, found in Napa Valley, is a new version of a 13th-century Tuscan castle. Built between 1994 and 2007 by winemaker Dario Sattui, the castle shows the beauty and skill of old Italian castles.

There are more than 100 rooms, including a big hall, dungeon, and chapel, that give visitors a feel of old European style. The castle is also a winery, where guests can taste and learn about Napa’s well-known wines.

Visitors can walk through its stone halls, go over the drawbridge, and see the torture chamber to feel like they are in medieval time

Castle Closing Thoughts

America’s castles show a special mix of history, design, and wonder. These grand buildings share tales of dreams, love, and great goals. You don’t have to travel far to see castle charm, it’s right here close to home!

I hope this look at American castles has caught your interest. Maybe you will visit one of these great spots on your next trip. You might even stay a night in a castle and feel like a king or queen!

Keep in mind, each castle has a story. So get out there, see these amazing places, and create your own castle memories!

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.